Monthly Archives: November 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 19 November 2009 World Coalition Against the Death Penalty Press Release

90 708 petitions to “End Juvenile Executions

Four countries in the world are still executing juveniles. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty issued a call on Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen, to stop executions of juvenile offenders. 90.708 petitions to “End Juvenile Executions” were gathered, from 30 countries all over the world. A delegation of the World Coalition will go on 20 November to the embassies of the four countries in Paris to handover the petitions. If the diplomatic authorities deny an audience, the signed petitions will be sent to the Iranian, Saudi, Sudanese and Yemeni heads of governments. This is the warning addressed by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty for the 7th World Day against the Death Penalty celebrated on 10 October 2009. This year’s World Day was dedicated to: “Teaching abolition”. The campaign was a resounding success marked by a major mobilization and wide media coverage. Today 139 States have abolished the death penalty in law or in practice. Nevertheless, 58 countries maintain this cruel, inhuman, degrading and useless punishment and 25 still execute every year.

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty Created in Rome in 2002, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty brings together 99 bar associations, trade unions, local governments and non-governmental organizations. In 2003, The WCADP has established the World Day against the Death Penalty on 10 October.

South Asian for Human Rights (SAHR)

October 29, 2009 by (SAHR)

South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) condemn the violent attacks on civilians and UN officials in Afghanistan

The members of South Asians for Human Rights strongly condemn the Taliban’s attack on a guesthouse hosting staff from the United Nations in Kabul on Wednesday 28th October 2009, which killed at least six and injured nine civilian UN staff.

Suicide bombers stormed a guesthouse used by UN employees and killed 12 people during a two-hour battle with security forces. According to media reports weapons, fire and explosions pounded the heart of the capital of Afghanistan. The fighting began as sporadic gunfire, but intensified over time, lasting more than an hour. The attack took place in a relatively secure section of the capital, in the vicinity of a number of government buildings, and it is reported that the firefight, which included machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades, appeared to be concentrated near the guesthouse.

This attack was recognized as Taliban’s first shots in their campaign to disrupt the second round of Afghanistan’s presidential election which was scheduled for the 7th November. SAHR also notes with deep concern the loss of lives and destruction caused due to the US drone bomb attacks in Afghanistan. We vehemently condemn these types of attacks which are considered as among the most serious crimes under international law and urge relevant authorities to take action in preventing such atrocities.

While SAHR notes with deep regret, the loss of lives and destruction caused, we also express our concern over the millions of Afghans who remain dependent on international assistance for basic needs such as food, water, healthcare and education. The attack on the UN significantly harms the already constrained ability of aid workers to assist Afghans. SAHR calls upon the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps in protecting aid workers as well as the innocent civilians caught in such attacks.